Moving Tips Archives - Page 9 of 10 - 1st Class Moving and Storage

Looking for Residential Movers in the Tampa, Florida area? Get a FREE Quote.

May 22, 2016

Tampa, FL Moving Company

0fb7d1e191b9421659ff8c057b150df6-300x200 Looking for Residential Movers in the Tampa, Florida area? Get a FREE Quote. Orlando | Central Florida If you have decided to move, hiring a reliable mover for your most prized possessions may seem like an overwhelming task. However, the experience need not be so stressful at all. With a little extra research and planning, you can avoid moving scams and make shifting, an uncomplicated and hassle-free experience. There are a few things that you should keep in mind before hiring a moving company to take care of your long distance move.

History and track record of the business

A company with a good experience and track record is always a safer bet than a relatively new establishment. The sole reason for the survival of a company for decades is the sustained quality of service it has been providing to its customers ever since its inception. Such movers are well aware of the customer requirements and expectations and have been able to deliver on them successfully without fail.

License and insurance

Make sure that the movers are both licensed as well as insured. For moving cargo across state boundaries, the company should have a US DOT number which is a unique registration number allotted by the US Department of Transportation. Also, check whether the company is insured or not, as it is critical to the monetary safety of your belongings.

Recognition and reviews

A company that has won accolades and letters of recommendation is sure to offer you an award winning service too. Consumer reviews are a testimony to the kind of service that the company provides. A positive review amounts to appreciation of the company services and is a great parameter to judge whether it is good enough for you or not.

Moving scams

Look for reputable companies that adhere to the federal regulations requiring an in-home estimate. Avoid over-the-phone price estimates without a visual survey by the movers themselves. A fraudulent mover might initially quote a low price estimate and later on, incorporate extra hidden charges, making the final bill exorbitant. You need to be extra cautious while reading the contract and all the extra charges applicable such as fuel costs. Ask more relevant questions, just to be on the safer side and knowing the correct valuation of the process as a whole. Remember, that a well known and reliable company, which has a reputation to maintain, will never make you compensate for any hidden charges that are not stated initially.

With the ever increasing moving scams in the country, shifting your personal belongings and valuables comes with its fair share of risks involved. Rogue operations allure the customers by quoting low initial estimates and then holding back the cargo until they receive the additional payments. However, a sound background study about the options available in your state can help you hire genuine and trustworthy professionals that would handle your belongings with utmost care and concern.

If you are looking for movers in Tampa, Florida, you may check out the Moving You With Class for rapid and reliable moving services.

Moving to or out of the Central Florida | Orlando area? Get a FREE Moving Quote!

Looking for Residential Movers in the Central Florida Area

May 20, 2016

Central Florida Moving Company

0c382d0f92c94559ee2efd9ea2354f35-151x300 Looking for Residential Movers in the Central Florida Area Orlando | Central Florida Moving is a stressful and expensive experience for most. However, if you have finally decided to move, hiring a reliable mover may seem like a daunting task. The idea is to find a moving company that you can put your faith in and rest assured about your decision. With a little background research, you can find the best movers in town. There are a few things that you should keep in mind before hiring the movers.

Do your research

It’s a good idea to zero-in on at least five movers by researching their history. You would also want to understand the tell-tale signs of a rogue moving company that has been involved in fraudulent activities in the past. Also study the details of exactly what will be involved in the move for example, will you be packing yourself and what kind of moving estimate will be best suited to your pockets.

Understand movers’ fee and movers’ estimate

Estimates may be confusing for a lay-man. However, a sound research on the two types of estimates namely binding estimates and non-binding estimates will help you understand the difference between the two and know which is best for you. You need to go over the bill of lading step-by-step in order to know whether the clauses have included the movers’ fees in the estimate or not.

Get recommendations

Ask your friends and family to recommend reliable movers to you. Browse the internet to find the options available to you in your state. Look for online reviews by customers on the company website. Also ask for letters of recommendation from the movers in person.

Beware of hidden charges

Always ask the movers to mention the exact estimate inclusive of all the charges like movers’ fees, fuel charges and the like. Many moving companies trick their customers into extra costs by hiding certain charges from them during the initial estimation. They start off by quoting a low estimate which tempts the customer into taking their services. Later on, when they chalk out the exorbitant final bill, the customers are in for a shock.

Avoid over-the-phone estimates

The movers are obliged to come to your home and make an in-home estimate after properly analyzing the various items that need to be shipped. They take measurements, weigh the items, and even categorize them into the fragile and non fragile lot. However, there are certain movers that provide an estimate merely by taking description from the customer on phone. This is a harmful practice, since without a visual analysis of the items; it is nearly impossible to make a correct estimate.

Shifting is a draining ordeal and with the multiple moving scams happening all over the country, it becomes a risky job too. However by proper background research of the movers, you can ensure that you possessions are in safe hands.

If you are looking for movers in Central Florida, you may check out the website https://movingwithclassold.local/ for rapid and reliable moving services.

Moving to or out of the Central Florida | Orlando area? Get a FREE Moving Quote!

Accommodating Seniors on Your Move

April 29, 2016

Moving with a child can be hard on you, but moving with a senior can be hard on them. Physically moving possessions is only half of the process. Take the following steps when moving with a senior to ensure comfort

Check Accessibility

Chances are that this is something you will have considered before buying a new home, but double check. Typically once you move out of your old home, there’s no returning. You don’t want to arrive at the new home only to find that your senior can’t make it up the front stairwell, or that the bathroom isn’t handicap friendly.

Anticipate Fatigue

Moving is hard work for everyone involved, even us! Seniors will tire especially quickly, given their age. Before you unpack anything else, set up the seniors bed or at least designate a couch. Tired moving can result in injury and potentially sickness. Don’t let you or your senior over do it. Leave the heavy lifting to 1st Class, and go take a nap!

Expect Nostalgia

Seniors have lived long lives, and chances are that they have lots of memories as well. Because seniors tend to be a little extra emotional, you will want to spend some extra time listening to their stories. Moving doesn’t have to be emotionally taxing, but it can be. Remind them that moving is just as much about cherishing old memories as it is building new ones.

Set Things Up in a Familiar Fashion

Setting rooms up in a familiar fashion can really help a senior get used to their new and unfamiliar surroundings. Of course the new house probably won’t be built the same way as the old house, but their are still little things that you can do. For instance, keep the nightstand on the same side of your senior’s bed, or face the bed toward s

Meet the Neighbors

Some seniors become shy with age, some don’t. Accompany your senior to the neighbor’s house and make an introduction. Exchange phone numbers with the neighbor to have in the event of an emergency, and make them aware of any of your seniors pre-existing medical conditions. Your senior will feel more comfortable knowing who they are surrounded by, and knowing that their is someone there to help them if need be.

Spend a Night

Yeah, you may have to spend a night on the couch but it’s worth it. Spending a night with your senior in their new home will mean the world to them. Especially if they live alone. Sticking around for a night or two can really help to bridge the gap between old homes and new homes. Additionally, do something out of the ordinary when you spend the night as if to make new memories. Something like making s’mores in the kitchen, making a homemade pizza, or going through old picture albums are great ways to do this.

Check in Every Couple of Days

If you are helping your senior move, your are probably already pretty close. Even so, try and call a little more frequently while they finished getting settled in. A call can send the familiarity and warmth that your senior needs during such a time of change. You might be pleased to find out that they are loving their new setup. However more than likely you are going to find out that they need help moving something. Either way, they will love to hear from you.

Preparing to Move: Getting Rid of Clutter

March 25, 2016

no-clutter Preparing to Move: Getting Rid of Clutter Orlando | Central Florida

Clutter-1024x681 Preparing to Move: Getting Rid of Clutter Orlando | Central Florida As movers in Orlando, we know how hard getting rid of stuff can be. It becomes especially difficult when your possessions have sentimental value. But we all know that come moving time, getting rid of clutter can have a very positive impact on your move.

De-cluttering your possessions before you move can save you time on packing and unpacking. It can also save you money on moving supplies such as boxes and tape, as well as labor. Getting rid of unnecessary items is an important part of the moving process, so how do you do it?

If you plan on selling your clutter then you should start more than a month in advance. You aren’t going to have much luck getting rid of stuff the day before your move. You can easily post items to Craigslist or eBay, and pick a weekend to hold a yard sale.

Yard sales double as fantastic social gatherings. Invite some of your close friends over to help with the yard sale, and make a day of it. They might even be willing to take some of the unwanted items off of your hands.

If you can’t find anyone to take the remainder of your unwanted items, or if you are feeling especially charitable, you can always donate. Places like Goodwill or the Salvation Army are excellent resources for people trying to get rid of their unwanted possessions.

If your problem with de-cluttering stems more from nostalgia, a very common excuse for holding on to things, than we have a solution for you. Simply take a picture of the item in question on your phone or with a camera, and the item will be preserved forever. You’re better off having the unnecessary item taking up digital space than physical space. As movers in Orlando, we know de-cluttering can be tough but we’ve seen it work time and time again.

As for the rest of the items that you do want to move with, call 1st Class Moving and Storage for expert quality moving services. We will transport your treasures across the street, or across country, with professional efficiency and caution.

Call 1st Class Moving & Storage at (407) 986-3978 for a free quote today!

How to Register Your Car in a New State

February 15, 2016

movers-in-orlando-1024x516 How to Register Your Car in a New State Orlando | Central Florida

Here at 1st Class Moving and Storage, we want to make moving to Central Florida as easy as possible. As home and business movers in Orlando, there is a lot we can do to reduce your workload. We can move specialty objects (pianos, grandfather clocks, etc.), build custom crates for oblong items, move heavy safes, and much, much, more!

Unfortunately, one thing we can’t do is register your car to your new home. We can, however, advise the best way to go about registering your car.

The state of Florida requires that you register your vehicle here within ten days of becoming employed, sending your children to school, or establishing residency. Make sure to register your vehicle before it is too late. Failure to register your vehicle in Florida can result in a fine, should you be pulled over.

In order to register your vehicle here in Florida you will need to bring personal identification and your vehicle’s vehicle’s original title. For multiple vehicles, you will need to bring all of the original titles. Additionally, to register a car in Florida, you must have valid Florida car insurance.

To make the process go a little bit smoother, and save yourself some time, you may consider scheduling an appointment to go to the DMV. You can schedule a time on the Florida Department of Motor Vehicle, here.

You can find all five of the Orlando DMV locations, hours, and phone numbers here.

Reminder: Even if you are moving within the same state, you should still update your license with a current address. You never know when some kind soul will find your wallet and want to do the right thing.

1st Class Moving and Storage is on a quest to be the most friendly and helpful movers in Orlando. We hope to help you move soon!

People to Call Before You Move

January 14, 2016

The stress of a move can cause even the most regimented people to forget to do certain things. Whether you forget to eat breakfast or forget to pack something important, as movers in Orlando, we try to limit these slips.

Here are a few people you might forget to call amidst the hustle and bustle of packing before you move.

Medical Professionals
Make sure to give your doctors, dentists, and therapists a call before you move. You may even want to call in a few necessary prescriptions prior to the move, just in case you don’t find a new doctor right away. It also may be helpful to give your doctor your new address, and the phone number of a local pharmacy, just in case.

Schools
Before you and your children take off, make sure you give the school a call. Chances are they know that you are going, but you may want to call in a copy of your child’s transcripts, test scores, etc. for future use in applications. You never know when you might need paperwork like this.

Distant Relatives/Old Friends
You know those relatives and friends that live in the same county as you, but you don’t see very often? Give them a call before you move. You don’t want them showing up at your old house and having to find out from the new tenants that you moved. A brief call goes a long way. They may even be able to help out with some last minute items you are trying to dispose of.

Veterinarian
Just as you might call your doctor for prescriptions and medical records, you should do the same for your pet. Your vet will be able to send over your pet records, and let you know if your pet is due for any new vaccinations. They might even have some advice for you and your pet if you are moving to a foreign climate.

Your New Neighbors
This one is a little bit different than the others on this list. You may want to call your new neighbors ahead of time and introduce yourself. Maybe tell them your move in date, so they can expect the commotion of the moving trucks, and the movers. They may have some advice for you, or even offer to lend you a hand. Calling your new neighbors before you move says, “I am a responsible and courteous neighbor.”

For more on moving tips and advice check out the 1st Class Moving & Storage Blog.

Tips For Moving With Pets

December 18, 2015

Whether your best friend is furry, feathery, or scaly, you will want to make sure that that they have the safest, stress free move that you can offer.

Moving is exhausting, hard work. As movers in Orlando, we know that planning ahead and taking precaution for your pets while relocating could mean a less stressful move for you. dog Tips For Moving With Pets Orlando | Central Florida

Here are some stress-relieving tips for moving with pets.

Packing/Unpacking

Ask the movers ahead of time if they are comfortable with animals, and introduce them to your pets. You don’t want the movers to find out that you have a cat while they are hauling your bed frame down the stairs – especially if they are afraid of cats!

Make sure your pets are out of the movers’ ways for everyone’s safety. Move-out day is a good day to bring your pets to the neighbors, or family members house. On move-in day, if you are moving out of state or across the country, you may not have someone you can rely on to house your pet for the day. Keep in mind that boarding your pet for the day is always on option.

Keep a separate bag or box for your pets’ toys, food, and medications. You don’t want to accidentally pack something your pet uses every day! Chances are you will bring this box or bag with you in the car or on the plane, so make it somewhat easy on yourself to carry.

On the Move

It 2533664443_8e3ce4dd2e_o Tips For Moving With Pets Orlando | Central Florida is important to consult your vet before moving with your pet to ensure that your pet is healthy enough to fly, or drive a long distance. Some airlines allow smaller pets to accompany passengers on their lap, though others require pets be stowed in crates with baggage. Be sure to check with your airline so you can plan accordingly.

Your vet might recommend a sedative or muscle relaxer to combat any motion sickness or anxiety your pet might experience during your travels.

If you are driving to your new home, be sure to provide your pet with a comfortable and safe space in the car; don’t just pile them in with miscellaneous boxes. All of the major pet stores sell seat belt harnesses for dogs, and moving crates for smaller animals, and cats. Playing classical music in the car, and occasionally opening a window for some fresh air can make a difference in your pets’ comfort while traveling.

Settling In

Take your pet for a walk around the neighborhood, or in the case of an indoor pet, walk them around the house. They are just as eager to explore their new domain as you are to settle in. Give them space to wiggle into corners, and sniff every stair. Familiarizing your pet with their new surrounding will comfort them, and in the long run, comfort you by knowing your pet is happy.

Talk softly to your animal and make time for them during the move, as busy as you may be. Animals, especially dogs, are sensitive to human stress, fear, and panic. Help them adjust to their new home by providing a little extra support and warmth for the first few days. Try and maintain the same feeding schedule to establish some regularity.

Ensure that your pet knows where to find their food and water bowls will be in the new house, assuming that they are not caged animals.

If they are caged pets, make sure you pick the proper spot in your new apartment or home! Here is a helpful video for picking the right spot!

Conclusion

The curtains can wait. You can find the remote later. Your pets are integral to turning your new house into your new home. Help your pet make the best of a stressful experience with these moving tips.

For more tips and information concerning moving with pets, check out the American Humane Association’s briefing.

1st Class Moving and Storage are your movers in Orlando, call today!

Have a Garage Sale Before Moving

September 22, 2015

garage-sale Have a Garage Sale Before Moving Orlando | Central Florida Before any move, you have to pack your stuff. And it’s almost a given that you’re going to realize something as you go: you have so much stuff! There are plenty of ways to get rid of some before you start your pack, and one way is to hold a good ole-fashioned garage sale. Why do this? For one, you can make a little bit of money off of your old belongings, and you can easily sort through what you have and decide what’s worth keeping and bringing with you.

To make sure that your garage sale is successful, take a look at these tips:

First thing to look into is how your local municipality does garage sales. Most cities around Orlando require you to get a permit and follow specific rules if you’re going to hold a garage sale.
Pick a weekend as it’s more likely potential buyers will have time to come out; if you can do both Saturday and Sunday, even better! Also, try to check on the weather. Here in Florida, it goes from sunny to rainy in a blink of an eye.
Find some good public places to put up notices of your garage sale. In the age of the internet, there are plenty of public forums, but you’ll have to be careful about who comes by. “Old school” methods include community bulletin boards at churches and grocery stores. Put them up a day or two in advance so folks have enough time to make plans to swing by.
The Golden Rule for garage sales is “Anything goes.” No idea if anyone will buy it? Just put it out there. You’d be amazed the crazy things people will take off of your hands.
Consider where you’re moving to and whether you need to keep certain things. If you’re moving from Baltimore to Orlando, you don’t need a snow shovel. Same thing with your surfboard if you’re moving to Chicago. You can also make a little bit more than just a couple bucks on items like those.
Make sure you price things realistically. If you bought a blouse that was in style five years ago, don’t expect anyone to pay what you paid for it when it was new (or even half). You kind of have to check your ego. Don’t get your feelings hurt if someone offers less than you’d prefer. Be happy you’ll get rid of it.
Keep the setup organized. You want everyone to be able to browse easily and comfortably. If you have electronic items for sale, have them set up near an outlet or a power strip so they can be tested.
Lastly, and most importantly, keep your cash in a safe place. Only have enough on hand to make change and put the rest of it in the house. Also, don’t accept checks unless you know the buyer very well.

If all goes well, you might make a nice little wad of cash. After the garage sale, if you still see you have stuff left, then take it all to a church or charitable organization. Some donations are tax-deductible, which is nice, and depending on the items, they might send a truck to take things away for you. And if that doesn’t work out….there’s always the trash.

No matter what route you take to declutter, it’ll ultimately make moving a heck of a lot easier for you, and 1st Class Moving and Storage will still be there provide the best in moving services and products. Call today to get your free quote.

Biggest Moving Mistakes

August 19, 2015

moving-300x225 Biggest Moving Mistakes Orlando | Central Florida No matter if you’re moving across the street or across the country, the process of moving can be very stressful. With stress comes mistakes that are made. Listed below are the biggest (and unfortunately, most common) mistakes that are made by those who are moving.

Waiting until the last minute: This is a classic, and even today, most people do this. And we get it; you’re busy with work or family, and things find themselves getting pushed further down on the to-do list. Most commonly, this happens because most don’t have a plan in mind for when they’re getting ready for a move. We help you out in this by offering a moving guide and checklist so you can keep track of every step leading up to your move.
Not organizing your boxes: Perhaps you’ve experienced this before: putting your shoes, your kitchen utensils, and your magazines in one box. Or needing something as soon as you arrive at your new home and not knowing where important items are. Having disorganized boxes makes the end result of your move much worse and delays your ability to get settled into your new home. Instead, using your moving checklist, pack boxes that are organized by rooms and have them clearly labeled. The labeling will help you (and the movers) know where they go once you get to your new home. Make sure to wrap fragile items carefully. For those items you know you’ll need immediately, like medications, pack those items in one box and bring it with you.
Forgetting to turn on your utilities: This has happened, and it is no fun at all. Your move takes place on a weekend, and when you get to your new home, you have no lights, no water, or anything else. And you can’t get it taken care of until Monday. If you’re moving within your city, there’s a chance you’ll be able to transfer your service from your old address to your new one. Regardless, you should set up your utilities at least a week in advance of your move so you know everything will be turned on when you get there.
Not checking your insurance policy: Moving, when done smoothly, sees all of your belongings arriving at your new home in one piece. However, no one can predict what will happen on the road. But if you don’t check your insurance policy or learn more about your mover’s liability policy, you could end up paying for whatever gets broken. Make sure you know what is on your homeowners or rental policy and that liability is discussed with your moving company before the move. Knowing could save you lots of money in the long run if something does get broken. (But with the right moving company, this won’t be an issue.)
Hiring a disreputable moving company: Moving companies come and go, and there are plenty of horror stories. Some will do things like take long lunch times to add to their hourly rate, or not care for your belongings, or (and this is the worst) hold your belongings hostage until you pay more than the quoted estimate. For 1st Class, our record speaks for itself. 97 percent of our clients come to us from referrals. It’s that kind of reputation that must be considered when hiring a moving company. We offer both hourly and flat rates to simplify things for you; we have packing and unpacking services; we take great care of your furniture and belongings; and we offer unparalleled service.

Should You Talk About Your Move on Social Media?

July 18, 2015

Today, social media is everywhere. The number of people on various social media sites, like Facebook, Twitter, and much more, has grown exponentially over the last decade and it continues to go up. Not only are these platforms growing, but those on them post updates about everything. If you’re thinking about posting about your upcoming move, there are a few benefits, but also some risks to be aware of.

Benefits

One of the best benefits of social media is the ability to solicit free advice and input. If you’re moving to a new city, or even just considering it, you can make an update and ask your friends what they think. They could volunteer services to look into, or give an idea of neighborhoods or job opportunities (assuming you don’t have one before moving). Even if you’re looking for work, use a professional network like Linkedin prior to your move to start connecting with potential employers in your new city.

Once you move to a new city, you can also reach out to any friends you might have in the area to find things to do. If you don’t know anyone in the city, use sites like MeetUp and find like-minded groups of people with similar interests. This can help you meet new people and get to know your city quicker since they often meet in public hot spots.

Risks

The single biggest risk of the constant updating about your move on social media is the same with talking about anything on social media: privacy. We all know sites like Facebook offer its users plenty of privacy abilities, but very rarely do most delve into them. If your privacy settings are lax, then it’s possible that anyone can see your updates. And not all of those “anyones” are people who you want to know your updates.

For example, if you say, “Heading out to pick up more boxes for my move,” you’re letting everyone know you’ve left the house. Would-be thieves know you’re gone and could use this as a burglary opportunity. It’s the same thing for your actual moving day. When the big day occurs, there’s lots of running around, people going in and out, and your belongings are in the open. Those who are following your moving updates can plan to wander down your street and try to grab something right off your yard. (This is also why it’s important to have a reputable moving company, like 1st Class Moving and Storage, on hand. The crew will mind your belongings so this doesn’t happen.)

To prevent this, first, update your privacy settings so only select people can see your updates. Also, just because you can share everything doesn’t mean you should. Keep only your family and close friends informed (especially if they can help).

Whether you use social media as a tool to seek out advice on neighborhoods or recommendations of things to do in your new city, always remember you seek out 1st Class Moving and Storage to get you from one place to another (and we’re on Facebook).

Moving Tips